Poem #143
English Translation
Persian
For years my heart sought Jamshid's Cup from me
asking of strangers what it held in its own decree.
سال‌ها دل طلبِ جامِ جم از ما می‌کرد
وآنچه خود داشت ز بیگانه تمنّا می‌کرد
A pearl that transcends the shell of time and place
it sought from those lost on the ocean's face.
گوهری کز صدفِ کون و مکان بیرون است
طلب از گمشدگانِ لبِ دریا می‌کرد
I took my trouble to the Magian Elder last night
who solved the riddle with his gaze of light.
مشکلِ خویش بَرِ پیرِ مُغان بُردم دوش
کاو به تأییدِ نظر حلِّ معمّا می‌کرد
I saw him joyful, wine-cup in his hand
gazing in that mirror, seeing a hundred lands.
دیدمش خُرَّم و خندان قدحِ باده به دست
واندر آن آینه صد گونه تماشا می‌کرد
I asked, 'When did the Sage give this Cup to you?'
He said, 'On the day He made the dome of blue.'
گفتم این جامِ جهان‌بین به تو کِی داد حکیم؟
گفت آن روز که این گنبدِ مینا می‌کرد
Though God was with him in every state and way
he saw Him not, and cried 'God!' from far away.
بی‌دلی در همه‌احوال خدا با او بود
او نمی‌دیدش و از دور خدارا می‌کرد
All this magic that the Samaritan displayed
was but a trick before the White Hand and the Staff portrayed.
این‌همه شعبدهٔ خویش که می‌کرد اینجا
سامری پیشِ عصا و یدِ بیضا می‌کرد
He said, 'That friend who raised the gallows high
his crime was telling secrets to the sky.'
گفت آن یار کز او گشت سرِ دار بلند
جُرمش این بود که اسرار هویدا می‌کرد
If the Holy Spirit's grace assists again
others may do what the Messiah did then.
فیضِ روحُ‌القُدُس ار باز مدد فرماید
دیگران هم بکنند آنچه مسیحا می‌کرد
I asked, 'Why the chain of the idols' tress?'
He said, 'Hafez complained of his heart's distress.'
گفتمش سلسلهٔ زلفِ بُتان از پیِ چیست
گفت حافظ گله‌ای از دلِ شیدا می‌کرد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 9/10. This is one of Hafez's most famous and profound poems. The reference to Jam's cup (a legendary cup that showed the world) is a powerful symbol. The verse about the 'world-seeing cup' being given when 'this celestial dome' was being made is a profound statement about creation. The reference to the Samaritan and Moses (staff and white hand) adds biblical depth. The verse about the friend whose 'crime' was making 'secrets manifest' is a profound statement about truth-telling. The poem's combination of mystical insight, cultural references, and philosophical depth makes it extremely engaging.
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